Rector's Message
Sunday
February 24, 2003My Dear Friends in Christ,
“The Leaven” greets you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on this Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany, as we congregate to worship the Lord and be encouraged by His Word, especially in these time of great uncertainty.
Since 9/11, we have been plagued by one disaster after another. We have had the coal miners trapped deep underground in Virginia, the snipers at large in Washington DC; the plane crash in Charlotte, killing all aboard; the Columbia Shuttle disaster; the Kinston explosion, the Chicago fire and of late, the Rhode Island night club fire, killing 97 people and injuring hundreds
We are told that in the case of the Rhode Island night club fire, a band bearing the name “The Great White” was performing. And as part of their dramatic display, they employed the use of fireworks indoors, sparking off literally, one of the most horrifying scenes to behold.
As I looked at the panic among the victims, as they sought escape from the raging inferno, I could not help but think of the name “Great White” and what it actually is.
Just off the shores of Australia, and other parts of the world, is a huge and deadly predator known as the Great White. If anyone comes in contact with this vicious and unsuspecting creature, there is really no way of escape.
Without warning it quietly sneaks up on its prey, maiming and dismembering its victim with its sharp and powerful jaws. The Great White Shark is feared and dreaded by most people, and shark catchers .have a great respect for it.
The fateful night club was far removed from the waters of the Great White, yet in fact, it was in their very presence in another form, awaiting the moment to devour many and create indescribable panic among the others.
What’s in a name you might say, but just remember what the name Jesus means, and it was played out on the cross for the whole world to see.”
We pray for the bereaved families, and for the souls of those “devoured” by the Great White.
Yours in Christ
Augustine Joseph
Rector
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